If you live in Denver, you’ve likely heard about expansive soils. While soil might seem like a simple part of your landscape, the type under your home can have a significant impact on your foundation. Expansive clay soil, a common feature in many areas of Colorado, can cause a range of issues for homeowners, especially when it comes to foundation damage. Understanding this local soil condition and how it affects your home is essential to ensuring your foundation stays strong and stable for years to come.
What Is Expansive Soil?
Expansive soils, also known as “shrink-swell” soils, are a type of soil that expands when wet and contracts as it dries. This movement can create a shifting effect beneath foundations, which can lead to cracks, settling, and other forms of foundation damage. The primary culprit behind expansive soils in Denver is the presence of clay. Clay particles are particularly prone to swelling and shrinking based on moisture levels in the soil.
In areas like Denver, where weather conditions can fluctuate drastically—hot summers and cold winters—the moisture content in the soil changes frequently. This cycle of wetting and drying is what makes expansive clay soil such a challenging issue for homeowners.
The Impact of Expansive Soils on Your Foundation
So, how does expansive soil affect the integrity of your foundation? It all comes down to the movement of the soil underneath your home. As the soil expands and contracts, it can exert pressure on the foundation, causing it to shift. Over time, this shifting can result in visible damage to your home’s structure.
1. Cracks in the Foundation
The most common sign of foundation damage caused by expansive soils is the appearance of cracks in your foundation. These cracks can be horizontal or vertical and can range from hairline fractures to wider gaps. The constant movement of the soil beneath your foundation can create these fissures, allowing water to seep in and further damage the structure.
2. Sinking or Settling Foundations
Another result of expansive soil is the sinking or settling of your foundation. When the soil dries out, it contracts, creating voids beneath the foundation. This can cause parts of the foundation to settle unevenly, which may lead to structural instability. A settling foundation can create issues with doors and windows sticking, uneven floors, and more severe foundation damage if left unaddressed.
3. Uneven or Sloped Floors
As the soil underneath the foundation moves, it can create uneven pressure on the foundation, leading to sloped or uneven floors. This may not only make your home less comfortable but can also affect its overall structural integrity.
How to Protect Your Foundation from Expansive Soils
While you can’t change the soil under your home, there are several steps you can take to protect your foundation and reduce the effects of expansive soils:
1. Proper Drainage
Proper drainage around your home is one of the most effective ways to manage expansive soils. Ensuring that water flows away from your foundation will help maintain consistent moisture levels in the soil. Installing gutters, downspouts, and French drains can help direct water away from your home, preventing excessive moisture from seeping into the soil and causing it to swell.
2. Soil Stabilization
In some cases, it may be necessary to stabilize the soil beneath your foundation. Soil stabilization involves adding chemicals or other materials to the soil to reduce its ability to shrink and swell. This method can help minimize the damage caused by expansive soils, but it requires a professional assessment to ensure it’s the right solution for your property.
3. Foundation Repair Solutions
If you’ve already noticed signs of foundation damage, there are several repair solutions available to help address the issue. Piering or piling techniques can be used to stabilize your foundation by driving piers into the stable soil below the expansive soil. These piers lift and support the foundation, preventing further settling and cracking. Polyurethane foam injection or slabjacking can also help level the foundation by filling voids and raising the structure back into place.
Why Choose Van Matre Construction for Your Foundation Repair Needs
Expansive soil issues are a challenge many homeowners in Denver face, but with the right foundation repair solutions, you can protect your home from further damage. At Van Matre Construction, we specialize in foundation repair in Colorado’s expansive clay soil conditions. With over 20 years of experience, we have the expertise and tools to identify, diagnose, and repair foundation problems caused by shifting soils.
Our team understands the unique challenges Denver homeowners face with expansive soils, and we offer reliable, long-lasting solutions to ensure your home’s foundation stays strong and stable. We also offer financing options to make it easier for you to address foundation issues without breaking the bank. Contact Van Matre Construction today for a professional evaluation.
